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Out of curiosity, doesn't it seem a bit ironic that in your desire to distinguish yourself, you identify with an external cultural movement? Seems like if you

Out of curiosity, doesn't it seem a bit ironic that in your desire to distinguish yourself, you identify with an external cultural movement? Seems like if you really wanted to be different, you would focus on just being "you" and ignore what other people are doing. Additionally, sophistication and coolness are subjective. Who are you trying to appear sophisticated and cool to? I've found that I'm much happier being "me" and not caring what other people think. Ironically, people find this attitude pretty cool.

Helmet 9y ago
I'm not OP, but I'll respond to some of these. I'm loath to call myself a hipster, but I think that's part of being a hipster in and of itself, so yeah. - doesn't it seem a bit ironic that in your desire to distinguish yourself, you identify with an external cultural movement? No, not really. I don't identify with a movement; I do however have certain tastes and behaviors (as do some of my friends), which other people have labeled as "hipster". The thing is, my tastes and preferences are genuine. I don't like like obscure underground hip-hop because I want to be perceived as hipster, I like it because it's fucking awesome. - Seems like if you really wanted to be different, you would focus on just being "you" and ignore what other people are doing. I do do that. But its not a simple process of just deciding to be "me" one day because I don't know what that "me" actually is. Personal growth is a process of transformation, and sometimes you try new things and realize you don't care much for them, and other times they become a part of who you really are. - Additionally, sophistication and coolness are subjective. Who are you trying to appear sophisticated and cool to? Eh, sure, but its more complicated than that. I want this guy to think I'm cool: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Kerouac_by_Palumbo_2.png https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Kerouac_... Not these guys: http://www.trbimg.com/img-57e58c72/turbine/la-et-mn-capsule-total-frat-movie-review-20160920-snap http://www.trbimg.com/img-57e58c72/turbine/la-et-mn-capsule-... - I've found that I'm much happier being "me" and not caring what other people think. Sure, I agree. But "me" just happens to be things which most people associate with hipsterdom. - Ironically, people find this attitude pretty cool. I don't think it's ironic - being yourself is cool, and I'm happy for you.
Grustaf 9y ago
I'm not actually a proper hipster with skinny jeans and a waxed mustache, but for the purposes of this discussion I you could say I am - I like many of the same things, for similar reasons. In general though I don't think subcultures are very ironic. Most people want to belong to something, even if they don't like (aspects of) the majority culture. If there is a group with similar sensibilities to you then why not join them and protest mass consumerism or whatever together? Even if it means adapting your style a bit. Human beings don't exist in vacuums, almost everything we do is in relation to other people and their opinions and culture.

Helmet 9y ago

I'm not OP, but I'll respond to some of these. I'm loath to call myself a hipster, but I think that's part of being a hipster in and of itself, so yeah. - doesn't it seem a bit ironic that in your desire to distinguish yourself, you identify with an external cultural movement? No, not really. I don't identify with a movement; I do however have certain tastes and behaviors (as do some of my friends), which other people have labeled as "hipster". The thing is, my tastes and preferences are genuine. I don't like like obscure underground hip-hop because I want to be perceived as hipster, I like it because it's fucking awesome. - Seems like if you really wanted to be different, you would focus on just being "you" and ignore what other people are doing. I do do that. But its not a simple process of just deciding to be "me" one day because I don't know what that "me" actually is. Personal growth is a process of transformation, and sometimes you try new things and realize you don't care much for them, and other times they become a part of who you really are. - Additionally, sophistication and coolness are subjective. Who are you trying to appear sophisticated and cool to? Eh, sure, but its more complicated than that. I want this guy to think I'm cool: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Kerouac_by_Palumbo_2.png https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Kerouac_... Not these guys: http://www.trbimg.com/img-57e58c72/turbine/la-et-mn-capsule-total-frat-movie-review-20160920-snap http://www.trbimg.com/img-57e58c72/turbine/la-et-mn-capsule-... - I've found that I'm much happier being "me" and not caring what other people think. Sure, I agree. But "me" just happens to be things which most people associate with hipsterdom. - Ironically, people find this attitude pretty cool. I don't think it's ironic - being yourself is cool, and I'm happy for you.

Grustaf 9y ago

I'm not actually a proper hipster with skinny jeans and a waxed mustache, but for the purposes of this discussion I you could say I am - I like many of the same things, for similar reasons. In general though I don't think subcultures are very ironic. Most people want to belong to something, even if they don't like (aspects of) the majority culture. If there is a group with similar sensibilities to you then why not join them and protest mass consumerism or whatever together? Even if it means adapting your style a bit. Human beings don't exist in vacuums, almost everything we do is in relation to other people and their opinions and culture.